New champion Grégory Bourdy ended up soaked in champagne, but organisers of last week’s UBS Hong Kong Open also had plenty of reasons to celebrate. 

Grégory Bourdy hugs his caddy after winning the UBS Hong Kong Open as his fellow French players and supporters, led by Raphaël Jacquelin, spray him with champagne. (Pic: Paul Lakatos/UBS Hong Kong Open)

The best field in the tournament’s history, four days of thrilling golf, the first ever French winner and intriguing subplots involving the European Tour’s Race To Dubai and Asian Tour’s Order of Merit – it was a week to savour. 

Fans lucky enough to be at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling saw an impeccable display from the ice-cool Bourdy, who expertly negotiated the tight par-70 layout with rounds of 64, 67, 63 and 67 for a winning total of 19-under-par 261. 

He was especially impressive on the final day when brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy, backed by a huge following, applied some serious pressure on the back nine.  So assured was Bourdy that, when he calmly parred the final hole, his winning two-shot margin marked the first time since 2002 that the champion had won by more than a single stroke. 

“We didn’t get the heart-stopping finish that UBS Hong Kong Open fans have grown used to, but it was still a wonderful finale,” said Martin Capstick, managing director of event promoters Parallel Media Group.  “It is a long time since a player has strung together four absolutely immaculate rounds like that at Fanling. Bourdy hardly made a mistake all week and he was a truly deserving winner.” 

While Bourdy’s fellow French players and supporters ran on to the green to spray him in champagne, Fanling was also acclaiming its people’s champion in McIlroy. 

Rory McIlroy speaks to the media after concluding his 2009 challenge (Pic: Mike Jansen)

The Northern Irish youngster – now runner-up two years in a row – lit up the tournament with some incredible shot-making and was threatening to pull off an amazing comeback until a momentum-stopping bogey at the 17th ended his charge.  “With his displays the past two years, the Hong Kong fans have taken McIlroy to their hearts and he has said many times that he adores coming here – he likes the city and he loves the course,” said Capstick. 

“He is a charismatic player and has a great rapport with the fans. We are obviously hopeful he will return because it is clearly a tournament he enjoys very much.” 

McIlroy at least had the consolation of overtaking Lee Westwood at the top of the Race To Dubai standings, his season earnings of €2,538,449 giving him a lead of €128,173 over his English rival.  The Race To Dubai – in which only the top 60 qualified for this week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship – spiced up the final day at Fanling with players scrambling to book their place. 

Lee Westwood speaks to the media before Round 1 (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Bourdy’s victory moved him up to 47 and secured his spot, but Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen, who needed to finish first or second, ended up joint third and just missed out. 

Liang Wenchong’s 11th place in the UBS Hong Kong Open moved the Chinese star from 60 to 57 and confirmed his trip to the Middle East but 11th was not quite good enough for Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke, who found himself marooned at 61 on the money list. 

“The Race To Dubai certainly gave the UBS Hong Kong Open an added dimension as even those golfers well down the field still had something to play for,” said Capstick.  “It turned the global spotlight on Hong Kong even more than usual and that can only be good for the tournament.” 

A significant day for the Asian Tour as well saw Thai icon Thongchai Jaidee clinch an unprecedented third Order of Merit crown ahead of Liang.  “It was another hugely successful UBS Hong Kong Open and our sincere thanks go to the sponsors, the Hong Kong Golf Club, the Hong Kong Golf Association and all the officials and volunteers who helped make it happen,” said Capstick. 

“We also offer our sincere gratitude to the fans, who again turned up in fantastic numbers and, as always, behaved impeccably.  “The challenge, as ever, is to improve the event for next year. The work has already started.”

2009 UBS HK Open Champions Gregory Bourdy with the tournament spoils (Pic: Mike Jansen)

See you in Fanling in 2010!

Grégory Bourdy held off a hard charging Rory McIlroy to win the UBS Hong Kong Open by two shots on Sunday (15 November). 

The Frenchman carded a polished three-under-par 67 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling to finish on 19-under 261 for the tournament.  Northern Irish youngster McIlroy showed flashes of his prodigious talent in compiling a 64, but fell just short in the US$2.5 million showpiece for the second year in a row. 

“It’s great, I had a fantastic week,” said a champagne-soaked Bourdy, 27. “It’s my best golf week, best golf day today. I played very consistent. I missed a few putts at the start of the round but I stayed confident.

“It’s my mother’s birthday today so I dedicate this to her. My girlfriend Anabelle is here also and everything went right.”

“I was relaxed today and all week. I was so confident. I tried to enjoy all my shots, all my rounds and did it. I missed just a few shots this week. I can’t believe it was so nice to play like this.”

 A triumphant Bourdy poses with the UBS HK Open trophy in the fading Fanling light (Pic: Mike Jansen)

Bourdy, the overnight leader by two shots, was unflappable down the stretch, picking up birdies at the 10th and 13th and calmly playing the final five holes to par. 

McIlroy, 20, roared on by the galleries, did his best to put Bourdy under pressure and closed the gap to one shot with consecutive birdies at the 15th and 16th.  But a three-putt bogey at the 17th took the wind out of his sails and Bourdy arrived at Fanling’s notoriously difficult final hole with a two-shot cushion. 

Bourdy collected the winner’s cheque for US$416,660 and enjoyed the bonus of leaping into the top 60 on the European Tour’s Race To Dubai, thereby qualifying for next week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship, “I wanted to stay focused on my game, play shot by shot, and I knew if I was three or four-under it would be OK to win the tournament,” said Bourdy.

“I didn’t look at the leaderboard until the 18th so I didn’t know Rory played well. I was three-under after 14 holes and it was nice to finish with a par on the 18th as it’s a tough hole. 

Unfortunately for the Frenchman, there was little time to soak up the Hong Kong adoration and celebrate his victory as he immediately jetted out of the SAR to Dubai for next week’s Dubai World Championship. 

“Dubai was the target before I played here. I knew if I won I’d go to Dubai but first was to play well today and win the UBS Hong Kong Open. I’ve played well, won and I’m going to Dubai, so I have everything.”

The victory was Bourdy’s third European Tour title after victories in the 2007 Mallorca Classic and the Open de Portugal last year. 

 A disappointed McIlroy speaks to the media after his final round at FanLing (Pic: Mike Jansen)

McIlroy – joint runner-up in the UBS Hong Kong Open a year ago after losing a three-way playoff to Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen Tang – was forced to settle for second best again. 

But he could take consolation in the fact that he overtook Lee Westwood at the top of the Race To Dubai standings.  World No.17 McIlroy, who earned US$277,770 for his second place, refused to be too downhearted and paid tribute to the winner.

“I played lovely, really, really well,” he said. “I thought I needed a low one and went out with the mindset that if I went lower than 65 then I might have a chance, but Grégory obviously played very well. 

“If I’d birdied one of the last two holes I might have given myself a chance, so that’s the way it goes. I’m a bit disappointed at the moment but I have the consolation of going back to the top of the Race To Dubai. 

“There’s a lot that can go on next week but my goal this week was to win the UBS Hong Kong Open and I’ve come up just short again, for the second year in a row. But I gave it my best shot and that’s all I can do.”

Of the 3 South African contenders who made the cut, Charl Schwartzel finished highest at 10 under.  He was followed by Rory Sabbatini one shot back at 9 under, while Andrew McLardy concluded the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open at 7 under par.

(Hong Kong Vryday 13 November 2009)

Vir baie mense is Vrydag die 13de ‘n dag van kwade dade en gebeure.  Vir Suid Afrika se Charl Schwartzel was dit net een ding: ‘n gesamentlike 9-onder voorlopers-posisie aan die einde van die tweede rondte van die UBS Hong Kong Open in FanLing.  Schwartzel deel die plek met China se Liang Wenchong, die Hollander Robert-Jan Derksen en Frankryk se Grégory Bourdy.

Schwartzel hoop dat sy suksesvolle tweede rondte in Hong Kong hom in ‘n goeie posisie sal plaas op die leiersbord vir die Europese Toer se Race to Dubai.  Die Suid Afrikaner is tans nommer 24 op die Toer se inkomste-lys na hy reeds €938,019 hierdie seisoen gewen het.  Sou hy in Hong Kong wen, sal hy, op nommer 15, sterk geplaas wees vir die laaste toernooi van die seisoen in Dubai.

“Ek kan seker nie meer die Race to Dubai wen nie, maar 2 oorwinnings sal die voorlopers sekerlik lekker skrik maak.”  het hy gese na afloop van Vrydag se spel.

“Ek is reg waar ‘n speler wil wees na twee rondtes,” Se hy verder.  “Ek speel tans goed en as ek so kan volhou, stuur hierdie toernooi op ‘n opwindende finaal af.”

Die vier voorlopers, insluitende Schwartzel is een hou voor nog ‘n Suid Afrikaner Rory Sabbatini asook Thailand se Chinnarat Phadungsil.

Na harde reen aan die einde van Dag 1, het Hong Kong vanoggend ietwat laer temperature ondervind.  Die son het egter in die namiddag kop uitgesteek en volgens Schwartzel het dit die speel-oppervlak en kondisies verbeter.  

Hy verduidelik: “Dit was koud vir die spelers in die oggend en die bal het nie te ver deur die lug getrek nie.  Ek het vroeg in my rondte met ‘n trui aan gespeel so ek dink die na-middag spelers was baie beter af (in terme van die weer).”

Na afloop van die WGC-HSBC Champions Toernooi  in Shanghai, China is Charl Schwartzel (71) tans Nommer 5 op die Suid Afrikaanse ranglys, een plek na Rory Sabbatini (61).  Hulle onderskeie posisies op die wereld-ranglys is tussen hakies.

South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel drives at the par-four 15th hole during the second round of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Friday, 13 November 2009. (Picture: Parallel Media Group)

South Africa’s 4th and 5th ranked players Rory Sabbatini and Charl Schwartzel remains at the top of the leaderboard after round 1 of the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open.  Both players carded a five under 65 at Fanling in Hong Kong’s New Territories.

The top twenty players in South Africa was recently listed after the WGC-HSBC Champions event in Shanghai, China.  World number sixteen Ernie Els top the list followed by Retief Goosen and Tim Clarke.

Honours even between Westwood and McIlroy

Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy remained locked in their Race To Dubai battle when they carded matching four-under-par 66s on the opening day of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday (12 November). 

The duo’s efforts left them four shots off the lead in the US$2.5 million showpiece being held at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling.

World No.4 Westwood mixed six birdies with two bogeys on his debut in the tournament. 

“It was good,” said the English ace. “The only green I missed was the last hole I played and that is a tough hole, No.9. I wouldn’t say I flushed it but I had enough control to hit 17 out of 18 greens.  “I had a lot of chances but found the greens very puzzling. I think I’m at a real disadvantage having only played the course once before [in the pro-am].

“It’s alright learning a course tee to green – it’s pretty obvious how you play tee to green – but on the greens, it’s such an advantage having played a few tournaments round here. So to start with four-under 66, I’m delighted.

“The only two bogeys I made were three putts and I had a load of chances.”

Asked what was so tough about the greens, Westwood replied: “The grain. It really does affect the ball, as much as anywhere. Sometimes it breaks up the hill.  “After about six or seven holes I called my caddie in and he had more of an idea. We gradually got it right and I eventually holed a couple.” 

As for the Race To Dubai, Westwood said he was trying not to think about it while playing this week. “I’m trying to win the UBS Hong Kong Open and that’s all,” he insisted.

Westwood leads the Race To Dubai with season earnings of €2,404,579 – a lead of €52,320 over McIlroy with just two tournaments remaining, Hong Kong and next week’s Dubai World Championship. 

McIlroy – joint runner-up in the UBS Hong Kong Open last year – had five birdies and a lone bogey as he kept pace with his rival. 

“There are 54 holes left so it doesn’t matter until Sunday,” the Northern Irish youngster said of his battle with Westwood. “We’re both playing pretty well to be in the positions we’re in so I’m not surprised Lee is up there. 

“I’ve just got to keep doing it. I’m not sure if three more 66s will be good enough so I might need to go a little better over the next three days.”

McIlroy admitted that playing in his third straight UBS Hong Kong Open could give him an advantage over Westwood.  “It’s just a question of getting used to the grain,” he said. “I don’t struggle too much. You just have to look to see which way the grass is going and then guess how much the grass is going to affect a putt. There’s no exact science to it.” 

Thailand’s Udorn Duangdecha leads the tournament after carding a superb eight-under 62.

Lee Westwood hands his ball to his caddy during the first round of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday, 12 November 2009. Westwood carded a four-under-par 66. (Pic: Paul Lakatos/UBS Hong Kong Open)

Rory Sabbatini is aiming to make all the right moves in this week’s UBS Hong Kong Open after likening the tournament course to chess. 

“It’s a very traditional course with everything out there in front of you,” the South African star said of the tight par-70 layout at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. 

“You know exactly what’s ahead. It’s a course which requires you to put it in all the right spots.  “It’s like a game of chess where you have to get in the right position all the way round the golf course. Ultimately you have to putt well to give yourself a good chance.”

Sabbatini is making his second successive appearance in the UBS Hong Kong Open, which teed off at 06:50 (local time) this morning. 

“Last year was my first trip to Asia and it was a very entertaining one which I enjoyed very much,” he said. 

“The tournament here at the UBS is a very historic one with a lot of tradition and history behind it and it’s a pleasure to be here.”   

He agreed that golf in Asia is going through boom times. “I think the whole world realises Asia is becoming more important in every regard. Especially in China, golf is exploding into their culture, it’s very exciting.  “It’s great to see the knowledge of golf expand and it’s now been included in the Olympics so that’s even more exciting. It’s something to keep your eye on.” 

Although he claimed his fifth career PGA Tour title at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Texas last May, Sabbatini feels his season could have been better.  “I’d say even though I won it’s been a disappointing year. I felt I was striking the ball well and doing all the right things but not getting the ball in the hole. 

“Ultimately, golf is a game where you have to get the ball in the hole so I was doing things backwards.  “But I learnt a lot about my ability on the course and the way I hit the ball so I’m very excited about next year.”

Sabbatini played an expanded schedule in 2009 but is keeping an open mind about next year. “This is my first year being a member of the European Tour and I have enjoyed it,” he said. 

“Next year I can’t make any predictions on my schedule. I play full time on the PGA Tour so that is my first priority and then in regards to the European Tour, it depends on the schedule.  “This week, I just want to go out and put in a good performance.”

Sabbatini is one of a contingent of eight South Africans competing at this year’s UBS Hong Kong Open.  Joining him at Fanling is fellow-South Africans James Kamte, Andrew McLardy, Hendrik Buhrmann, Charles Schwartzel, Jbe Kruger, Anton Haig and Keith Horne.

Rory Sabbatini follows his drive at the part-four seventh hole on Wednesday, 11 November 2009, during the pro-am tournament at the UBS Hong Kong Open. (Pic: Parallel Media Group)

From the Kowloon Cricket Club two weekends ago, to the HK Golf Club this week, international sports action in Hong Kong continues!

As far as action is concerned, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes this year definately did not disappoint.  Following on last year’s last ball drama when England was crowned Champions, Davy Jacobs’ South Africa this time around, followed suit when man-of-the-moment Farhaan Behardien hit a massive six off the last ball with 5 runs needed to win!

Change to Sheung Shui and who could ever forget last years play-off between Irish upstart Rory McIlroy and Taiwan Lin Wen-Tang for the 2008 UBS Hong Kong Open title.  Here’s a reminder:

It’s that time again and tournament organisers and sponsors UBS have assembled the best-ever field to line up in the New Territories for the 2009 UBS Hong Kong Golf Open.  South Africa’s onslaught will be led by the 2009 HP Byron Nelson Champion Rory Sabbatini.

Getting to the UBS Hong Kong Open

Those of you Saffas who want to travel out to Fan Ling can make use of the free shuttle buses from Admiralty and Kowloon Tong MTR Stations.  Buses will depart from these two locations every half-hour starting from 9am to 12:30 pm on Saturday-Sunday (14-15 November 2009).  The return journeys will commence from 3 pm to 6 pm from Sheung Shui.

If you want to attend play on Thursday-Friday, take the MTR to Sheung Shui station from where there will be a free shuttle service to the HKGC.  Departures will be every half -hour:

Starting from 07:00 – 18:00 on Thursday/Friday;

and every 15 minutes from 08:00 – 19:30 on Saturday/Sunday.

Tickets

Tickets available at www.cityline.com at any Parsons Music Branch or via Cityline hotline 2111 5333.

Ticket prices: Thu-Fri (HK$120/day), Sat (HK$250), Sun (HK$300), all four days (HK$400)

See you in Sheung Shui!

Yasin Ali is hoping history repeats itself as he bids to book a return ticket to the UBS Hong Kong Open. 

The talented Briton will tee off in the international qualifying tournament on Tuesday (20 October) at the Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in Johor , Malaysia buoyed by the fact he won the corresponding event last year.  Yasin faces a tough task in the one-round shootout with dozens of seasoned professionals chasing three spots in the US$2.5 million Hong Kong showpiece.

The field includes two players – Scotland ’s Simon Yates and Adam Groom of Australia – who have made an impact at previous Hong Kong Opens.

Simon Yates of Scotland has fond memories of the UBS Hong Kong Open after setting a course-record 61 in 2005. (Pic: Two Up Front)

Yates shot a course-record 61 in the third round of the 2005 tournament on his way to finishing 10th.  A year earlier, Groom led after the first round – heading a stellar field that included Padraig Harrington, David Howell and eventual winner Miguel Angel Jiménez – before settling for joint 12th position.

Sattaya Supupramai of Thailand , who won a three-way playoff to grab the third qualifying slot a year ago, is in the Palm Resort line-up again.

Other notable names due to tee off include Malaysia ’s Danny Chia, Thai veteran Boonchu Ruangkit and Martin Rominger of Switzerland . 

Four Hong Kong professionals – William Fung, Lokky Lee, Chris Tang and Derek Fung – booked their UBS Hong Kong Open places at last week’s domestic qualifying tournament.

The 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November.

The world class field will be spearheaded by Korean ace Yang Yong Eun, who became Asia ’s first Major winner when he triumphed at the US PGA Championship in August.  Also in the line-up will be defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei and the man he beat in last year’s unforgettable playoff duel, brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy.

The tournament – Hong Kong ’s oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959 – will once again be co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours.

Golden oldie William Fung will make his UBS Hong Kong Open 2009 debut at the age of 52 after winning the domestic qualifying tournament on 16 October. 

The veteran teaching pro finished two shots clear of the field at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course to book his place in next month’s US$2.5 million showpiece.

“It’s a dream come true,” said an emotional Fung. “I can’t believe it. I thought this was my last chance to qualify and now I’ve done it. I’m very happy.”

Fung can look forward to teeing it up with some of the world’s best players at the UBS Hong Kong Open, including Asia’s first Major winner Yang Yong Eun, defending champion Lin Wen Tang and current European Tour Race To Dubai leader Rory McIlroy.

With four places in the main draw up for grabs in the two-day qualifying tournament, Fung carded a one-over-par 73 to finish on one-over 145, two strokes clear of fellow pro Lokky Lee (74).  A three-way playoff decided the remaining two places, with Chris Tang (76) and Derek Fung (73) beating Roderick Staunton (71) at the first extra hole after the trio had finished on 148.

 The 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November.

Celebrating after qualifying for the UBS Hong Kong Open main draw are (from left) Derek Fung, Chris Tang, Lokky Lee and William Fung. (Pic: Two Up Front)

The UBS HK Open

Hong Kong ’s oldest professional sporting event, having started in 1959 – will once again be co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours. 

The qualifying tournament was held in conjunction with the Hong Kong leg of the UBS-supported Faldo Series Asia.

Talented 16-year-old Steven Lam blitzed the field with an 11-under total of 133 and was followed home by Liu Lok Tin as both players booked their places in the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills Golf Club, hosted by six-time Major winner Nick Faldo, next March.

Lam has already qualified for the UBS Hong Kong Open as winner of the Hong Kong Close Amateur Championship last January.

An exemption will also be granted to the winner of the Hong Kong Open Amateur Championship at Discovery Bay Golf Club on 3-6 November.

The UBS Hong Kong Open International Qualifier will be held at the Palm Resort Golf and Country Club in Johor Bahru , Malaysia , on 20 October.

Memories of how Jason Hak took the golf world by storm 12 months ago will spur on competitors at this week’s UBS Hong Kong Open Qualifying Tournament. 

The talented teenager seized his chance last year when he qualified for the main draw and went on to become the youngest player ever to make the cut at a European Tour event.

A total of 42 Hong Kong players will be aiming to emulate Hak when the qualifying tournament is held this Thursday and Friday (15-16 October) at the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course.

“It is a fantastic chance for Hong Kong players to rub shoulders with some of the best golfers in the world,” said Hong Kong Golf Association chief executive Iain Valentine.  “Jason showed how to do it last year when he came through the qualifying tournament and then raised his game to a whole new level at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

 “I’m sure the memory of his astonishing achievement last year will be the perfect encouragement for the players at Kau Sai Chau this week.”

 Hak – born in Hong Kong and now resident in Florida – sent shockwaves through the golf world when he carded two rounds of even-par 70 to make the cut at last year’s UBS Hong Kong Open.

 Local teenager Jason Hak (Picture: Two Up Front)

At 14 years and 304 days, he eclipsed the European Tour record set by Sergio Garcia of Spain , who was 15 years and 46 days when he made the cut at the Turespana Open Mediterrania in Valencia in 1995.

Hak has no requirement to compete at Kau Sai Chau this time as he has received an exemption into the main draw from title sponsor UBS.

The field – comprising 25 professionals and 17 amateurs – will play two rounds as they chase four slots in the US$2.5 million showpiece.  The 2009 UBS Hong Kong Open will be staged at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling from 12-15 November.

The world class field will be spearheaded by Korean ace Yang Yong Eun, who became Asia ’s first Major winner when he triumphed at the US PGA Championship in August.

Also in the line-up will be defending champion Lin Wen Tang of Chinese Taipei and the man he beat in last year’s unforgettable playoff duel, brilliant Northern Irish youngster Rory McIlroy.